So I don’t know if I’ve “officially” announced it here yet, but Bicyclette is going to be at The Clothing Show in Toronto this weekend. Exciting times, I tell you!
The show is at the Better Living Center (Exhibition Place) and runs Friday 3-9 pm, Saturday 11 am – 8 pm and Sunday 11 am – 6 pm. We’re booth #525. Come visit!
I spent the weekend building rolling racks out of piping and found wood, refurnishing a vintage dresser, spray painting just about everything I could get my hands on, designing hang tags, buttons, cards … and the list goes on. It’s getting a little crazy around here.
Keep checking the blog this week for more updates and sneak peeks, but here’s a little glimpse at some of the print pieces that are currently in production.
I need your help. I’m designing new button cards, and I need your opinions on my new (very rough) design. The idea is to go simple, hence the black and white, so that the buttons (which will be pinned on the card) stands out and takes precedence. The majority of the buttons are in colour, so I wanted to avoid any clashing. They’re to be printed on “mini” cards, which are the same width as a business card but half the height. Keep in mind this is rough, more just for idea and general layout. No photo editing has been done, etc.
Thoughts? Opinions? Love it? Hate it?
I just realized that I’ve shared these photos on Facebook, but they haven’t made their way to the blog yet. Took some quick snaps of my favourite parts of the studio: my collection of vintage nightgowns hung against the window (which I mentioned here, and promise to take better photos of), vintage mason jars that hold Bicyclette buttons and will hopefully be part of a growing collection, frames displayed on the wall (sometimes empty, sometimes full, always pretty), and my inspiration board that is constantly bursting at the seams. Brought to you by my new favourite iPhone app, the Hipstamatic.
There’s been a delay (again) on the payment processing for the store, and I was told that it should be ready by the end of the week. I’m having a hard time just sitting back and waiting, as there’s only so much I can do to move the process forward before I get to the point where I’m waiting for others. Frustrating, to say the least. I’ll keep the updates coming, and trust me, I’m just as eager as you to see the store goes live!
In somewhat better news, I’ve been lucky enough to be able to borrow a friend’s camera, so I can finally share some better button photos with you. I’ve also added a new mini collection, with images from the last two product shoots. Consider them to be a bit of a sneak peek for the website as well.
I’ll be using these buttons for promotion (the store URL wraps around the edge of each button), but I’m also thinking of selling the collections on the site and having them be limited edition, so only so many of each style gets made, and they’re constantly being updated based on photo shoots, product, seasons, etc. Have them become kind of a pseudo-collectors item, you know?
Yesterday I mentioned that I was experimenting with button designs at every opportunity, and that my most recent foray was into the wonderful world of vintage floral patterns. Anyways, here are some samples of those buttons, unfortunately still with phone pics only (I miss my camera!), but it gives you an idea. Various colour ways, keeping it simple with just the pattern and the little bike icon.
I also decided to pin some of them onto my vellum business cards, thinking that there might be times when I want to give someone a business card and include the button as a little extra. They kind of overlap the logo and bike on the card, and of course leave little holes where the pin was attached, but I still like the effect, and it’s nice to have the option. Voila!
So, what’s the consensus? Favourite colour ways?
I am now the proud owner of a button-making machine, as many of you will know if you follow me on Twitter, or if you read last week’s post. From the beginning, I’ve wanted to have some sort of little takeaway item that I can use for promotions and include with purchases. I was originally looking into laser cutting the shape into card stock and using that (inspired by my laser cut brand book cover back in the spring), but after the pricing turned out a little high, I decided on the promotional tool that everyone knows and love: buttons!
Anyways, thought I would do a little how-to in photos. Excuse the not-so-great phone pics, my DSLR decided to die on me, leaving me with no choice in the meantime. So far, I’ve just been experimenting, and this batch was using photos from the last shoot, and superimposing the little bike icon on them. Some turned out better than others, but overall, I’m pleased with the results and excited to play around with more ideas and designs. I have supplies to make 1000 buttons, so no shortage there!
So… what do we think?? Any special requests?
As I run around and try to tick things off my ever-growing to-do list, I wanted to take a moment to share a few things I’m currently lusting over.
1. Lune Vintage‘s vintage pop-up shop! How perfect is this ’76 Boler trailer. This is something I want to do someday, take Bicyclette on the road. One of my first posts was about gypsy queens and trailer dreams, sigh …
2. These Marais kitten heels, in cobalt, of course! Loving the simplicity and functionality of these beauties, and that colour is so perfect. I can completely see them with tights come fall as well, adding a little pop to an otherwise neutral outfit. Yes, please!
3. Buttons! And little round button-like magnets. I decided today that I’m going to invest in a button making machine and make hundreds of Bicyclette buttons to include with orders as gifts, promotions, and who knows what else. I’m thinking photo shoot buttons, rough sketch buttons, bicycle icon buttons, vintage print buttons and so much more.
I’d love to hear your ideas … any other clever designs or uses? Anyone want to have a button making party?
So there’s a little sampling of what’s been occupying my mind when I’m not focused on business related tasks. Care to share any of this week’s links or lusts with me?
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